Meghan Markle holds her notes and Prince Harry's hand as the couple arrives in Australia

By Jessica Pollack

October 15, 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down in Sydney on Sunday (Oct. 14) to kick off their 16-day Commonwealth tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga - and it seemed the duchess had her hands full as they walked to their car. In one arm, a burgundy binder full of notes which she was likely studying on the couple's Qantas Airlines flight. In the other, her husband's reassuring hand, starting their journey with one of their signature public displays of affection.

Despite the 22-hour journey that included a stop in Singapore following a high-profile outing at
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's royal wedding the previous day, the Sussexes looked fresh and excited to be Down Under. Meghan donned the same gorgeous navy and burgundy coat that she wore in a recent Invictus Games promo photo paired with a turtleneck, black pencil pants and black pumps. Her hair was blown straight and she wore her signature natural makeup with a pink lip. Prince Harry wore a white shirt with a grey sweater overtop and carried a shoulder bag with a brown leather strap.

The newlyweds were on their way to their home for the week, Admiralty House, the residence of the Governor-General of Australia. The duke and duchess will spend the first day of the tour in Sydney before heading to rural Dubbo on day two and Melbourne on their third day. On their return to Sydney, they'll take part in the Invictus Games, a standout event on their jam-packed itinerary of more than 75 engagements. Their Canadian friends Ben and Jessica Mulroney are set to join the couple at Prince Harry's games, a competition for injured or wounded soldiers and veterans. From here, they'll head to Fraser Island before journeying through Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand.

The tour has a particular focus for the couple, who have joined forces to work on many causes close to their hearts. Kensington Palace said in a statement, "The programme across these four Commonwealth countries will focus on youth leadership, environmental and conservation efforts – including the dedication of several new Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy projects – and the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen and women through the Invictus Games Sydney 2018."

Fans also can't wait to get a glimpse of Meghan's tour wardrobe! The former actress has quickly cemented her status as a
bona fide style icon, from her chic coat collection to her penchant for suiting and love of Canadian brands. It's customary for royal women on tour to pay sartorial tributes to their host countries, so she's likely to wear local designers and some traditional ensembles. Bring on the style parade!

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